Social media forms an unprecedented third party in modern relationships. Partners are without doubt digitally interconnected like never before. While these platforms offer new avenues for affection, logistical ease, and virtual togetherness, overuse may breed disconnection.
The Love Shadows would like to examine recent relationship statistics illuminating social media’s influence on them in 2023 and its effect on the better and worse stance.
By the Numbers: Social Media and Relationships
Recent surveys and studies paint a statistical picture of social media’s role in modern coupling:
- 68% of couples reportedly based their relationship broadly online through platforms like Instagram and Facebook according to relationship statistics by the American market research and analytics company- (Harris Poll)
- 63% of daters judged romantic compatibility based on a potential partner’s social media posts and followers according to an online dating application- (Hinge)
- 57% of social media users admit it causes jealousy and pressure in their romantic relationships. (Consumer Research)
- Relationship statistics show 49% of frequent social media users state they feel unhappy in their relationship, versus only 30% of light users. (Brigham Young University)
- 46% of couples report social media causes more arguing and tension. Heavy users fight most frequently. (Norton Security)
- 40% of partners use social media surveillance to monitor the other’s behaviors and friendships. (Auckland University of Technology)
- 35% of people have broken up with a partner over social media habits like excessive selfies or flirtatious commenting. (Kaspersky Lab)
FOMO, Competition, and Control
From provided data by experts, three (3) prime issues social media stirs up in relationships and they include:
FOMO – “Fear of missing out”
- Partners feel hurt when excluded from posts or activities.
- Lack of responsiveness to texts or posts breeds resentment.
- Solo enjoyment on platforms leads to accusations of neglect.
Jealousy and competition
- Comparisons to friends’ or influencers’ curated lives cause insecurity.
- Flirty online friendships with those outside the relationship ignite mistrust.
- Attempts to provoke jealousy through showy posts frequently backfire.
Exerting control
- Partners surveil each other’s liking, commenting, and messaging habits.
- Arguments erupt over “inappropriate” content or online friend selection.
- Attempts to restrict or dictate social media behaviors increase.
The Benefits of Balance
However, when used consciously, social media also positively impacts relationships:
- 62% say platforms like Facebook and Instagram help them feel connected when apart from their partner according to the German online platform- (Statista)
- 53% believe social media offers reminders of why they appreciate their partner. (Brigham Young University)
- 49% say social media aids their relationship communication. (Panda Security)
- 47% of couples state regular social media affection like photos, check-ins, praise, or anniversary posts improves intimacy. (Kaspersky Lab)
- 39% of users believe social media helps relationships by providing shared interests and conversational topics. (Consumer Research)
Best Practices for Harmony
The key remains balance, as Couples maintaining peaceful online media coexistence requires you:
- Set boundaries around usage, especially regarding exes, former love interests, and frequency of posting relationship issues.
- Discuss pet peeves and agree on guidelines for appropriate online behavior.
- Monitor jealousy and competitiveness by taking regular social media breaks together.
- Limit surveillance habits that stem from insecurity versus actual distrust.
- Express affection through platforms without oversharing or violating privacy.
- Emphasize in-person connection as central to the partnership.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, social media simply acts as a tool reflecting relationship skills offline. Says marriage researcher Candice Depickere, “If you have a trusting, caring, communicative relationship, social media will only enhance that connection. But it can never substitute for what’s fundamentally missing in the relationship.”
FAQs
Q: Does cheating cause most social media-related breakups?
A: Not exactly. More often fights stem from inappropriate messaging, hidden friendships, or “liking” of photos from those outside the relationship. But emotional affairs do occur.
Q: Do men or women get more jealous from social media?
A: Studies show women report slightly higher social media jealousy connected to issues like comparing appearances. But insecurity crosses genders.
Q: Is some jealousy healthy for maintaining intimacy?
A: Mild concern when reasonable boundaries are crossed can strengthen bonds. But frequent extreme jealousy often signals personal insecurity or control issues.
Q: Can we just delete social media to improve our relationship?
A: While breaks help reset focus on real-life connections, avoiding social media permanently often backfires. It is better to draft guidelines for healthy usage.
Q: How many hours per day is too much social media for couples?
A: Research points to 2 hours specifically using social while together as a tipping point. But set limits collaboratively aligning with both your needs.